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Career Profile

Music Director
What They Do
Just the Facts
Insider Info
Dig into the details and check out what people in this
job have to say about their work.
Directs and conducts instrumental or vocal performances by musical
groups, such as orchestras or choirs.
This career is part of the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and
Communications cluster Performing Arts pathway.

Related Careers
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A person in this career:

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Insider Info

Music Composer/Arranger
Musician
Singer
Actor
Choreographer
Dancer
Film/Movie Director
Producer
Sound Engineering Technician
Talent Director

Directs groups at rehearsals and at live performances to

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achieve tonal balance, rhythm, and tempo.
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Selects vocal, instrumental, and recorded music suitable to the
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nature of a performance.
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Issues assignments and reviews the work of staff involved in
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scoring and arranging music or vocal coaching.
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Positions members within groups to obtain balance among
instrumental or vocal sections.
show all
Auditions and selects vocal and instrumental groups for
musical presentations.
Multimedia
Transcribes musical compositions to create a particular style
for a group.
Watch a one-minute video showing what it's like to
Engages the services of composers to write scores for
work in this career or related careers
productions.
Music Directors
watch video
Get QuickTime Player

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

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You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you
might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

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Picking out a particular sound in the presence of other sounds

Detecting sounds and hearing the differences between sounds of different pitch and loudness
Seeing clearly up close
Being able to tell the direction from which a sound is coming
Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

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Irregular hours
Overnight travel
Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:
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Artistic Director -- Conceives, develops, and implements the artistic vision and focus of a theatre company.
Music Instructor -- Uses their musical expertise to guide students in learning how to sing or play a musical instrument.

Is This For You?

Interests:

The following categories describe the work interests (compatible with Holland's Model) of
people who tend to succeed in this career:

Your Interests:

The last time you took the Interest

Artistic You are a "creator". You enjoy things like art, music and books, and express your Profiler your results were:
feelings easily. You don''t like rigid rules and structure.
Enterprising You are a "persuader". You like to sell things or ideas. Prestige and power Artistic
Enterprising
are important to you. You like to use your language skills to convince other people of your
Take the Interest Profiler again.
ideas.
Social You are a "helper". You like being around people and helping them with problems.
Socializing is fun for you.

Work Values:
Work values are aspects of work that are satisfying to you. The following work

values are generally associated with this career.

Achievement It's very important to you that your work allows you to use your Your Work Values:
best abilities. You want to see the results of your work and get a feeling of
Now that you know the work values for this
accomplishment.
Independence It's very important to you that your work allows you to make career, would you like to find your personal
decisions on your own. You want to try out your own ideas and work with little work values?
supervision.
Relationships It's very important to you that you have friendly co-workers. Try the Work Values Sorter.
You would like to be of service to others without compromising your sense of
right and wrong.

Tell me more about Work Values ...

Aptitudes:
Aptitudes reflect a person's ability to acquire skills and knowledge.

The following aptitudes are important for success in this career:

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General learning ability

Verbal aptitude
General learning ability Top 10%
Verbal aptitude Top one-third
Numerical aptitude Bottom 10%
Spatial perception Middle third
Form perception Top one-third
Clerical perception Middle third
Eye-hand coordination Top one-third
Finger dexterity Middle third
Manual dexterity Middle third

Tell me more about Aptitudes ...

Skills You Need

Basic Skills
The following skills are important for this
career:
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Reading comprehension medium

(level 5)
Active listening medium (level 5)
Writing medium (level 4)
Speaking medium (level 5)
Critical thinking medium (level 4)
Active learning medium (level 5)
Learning strategies high (level 6)
Monitoring high (level 6)

These skills are necessary but not as

important:
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Your Basic Skills:

Now that you know the basic skills for this career, would you like to find your
personal basic skills?
Try the Basic Skills Survey.

Mathematics medium (level 3)

Science low (level 1)

Tell me more about Basic Skills ...

Transferable Skills
Here's a list of skills used in this career that are also
used in other careers.

High level of skill required

Your Transferable Skills:

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Amusing and entertaining audiences

Creating and interpreting musical ideas
Providing recreation and entertainment
activities

Medium level of skill required

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Now that you know the transferable skills for this career, would you like to
find your personal transferable skills?
Try the Transferable Skills Checklist.

Managing and directing people and programs

Tell me more about Transferable Skills ...

Workplace Skills
Workplace skills are practiced activities that help people become successful in all kinds of careers. Here's a list of the workplace
skills that are used in this career.

Medium level of skill required

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High level of skill required

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Instructing

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Complex problem solving

Coordination
Judgment and decision making
Management of personnel resources
Negotiation
Persuasion
Service orientation
Social perceptiveness
Systems analysis
Systems evaluation
Time management

Tell me more about Workplace Skills ...

Improve Your Skills:

Skills are wonderful because you can always improve them! All it takes is a little hard work and motivation.
So if you see that a career requires more skill than you currently have, don't worry it's always possible to learn more skills.

What To Learn
High School
What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career?
Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Performing Arts pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:
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Religious/Sacred Music
Musical Theatre
Music Performance, General
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Conducting

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Voice and Opera

Music, Other
Music Management

Education Level
Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.
Bachelor's degree or higher, plus work experience
A degree in music theory, music composition, or conducting is generally preferred for those who want to work as a conductor or
classical composer. To enter these programs, applicants are typically required to submit recordings or audition in person or both.
These programs teach students about music history and styles, as well as composing and conducting techniques. Information on
degree programs is available from the National Association of Schools of Music. A bachelor's degree is typically required for
those who want to work as a choir director. There are no specific educational requirements for those interested in writing
popular music. These composers usually find employment by submitting recordings of their compositions to bands, singers, and
music and movie studios. They may seek representation by an agent, who helps them find employment and performance
opportunities.

Insider Info
Education
dot

Most universities and colleges have a music department. Conductors usually have a university degree, college diploma
or other post-secondary specialized training in their area of work. Requirements for employment are experience and the ability to
demonstrate performing skills.
"I don't think conducting should be studied as an undergraduate. I think one should play in an orchestra before trying to lead one.
My music degrees are in flute performance. I studied conducting later at places like the Conductor's Institute and at Aspen," says
conductor Nan Washburn.
"For a degree program, I'd look for a school with a good teacher and lots of opportunities for the student to actually conduct. In
or outside of school, take or create any opportunity to get in front of an orchestra to practice your craft!" she says.

Money And Outlook

California Earnings
Average Annual Wage
$59,470
Entry Annual Wage
$24,780
Experienced Annual Wage $92,240
Average Hourly Wage
$28.59
Entry Hourly Wage
$11.91
Experienced Hourly Wage $44.35
Median Hourly Wage
$27.05

California Regional Earnings

California Metropolitan Areas Wages
Region
Bakersfield-Delano MSA

Average
Entry Level
Experienced
$52,900 or $25.43/hr $18,010 or $8.66/hr $75,260 or $36.18/hr

Fresno MSA
$33,200 or $15.96/hr $18,240 or $8.77/hr $52,780 or $25.38/hr
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale MD $63,830 or $30.69/hr $25,320 or $12.17/hr $104,810 or $50.39/hr
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA $65,440 or $31.46/hr $19,860 or $9.55/hr $92,940 or $44.68/hr
Salinas MSA
$58,780 or $28.26/hr $38,910 or $18.71/hr $76,890 or $36.97/hr
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward MD
$51,910 or $24.96/hr $22,400 or $10.77/hr $81,710 or $39.28/hr
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta MSA $68,490 or $32.93/hr $34,930 or $16.79/hr $133,690 or $64.27/hr
Northern Mountains Region
$64,630 or $31.07/hr $34,410 or $16.54/hr $96,760 or $46.52/hr
El Centro MSA
$63,190 or $30.38/hr $39,710 or $19.09/hr $90,760 or $43.64/hr
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA
$54,360 or $26.13/hr $26,440 or $12.71/hr $92,490 or $44.47/hr
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville MSA $49,070 or $23.59/hr $18,080 or $8.69/hr $115,690 or $55.62/hr
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos MSA
$57,570 or $27.68/hr $34,330 or $16.50/hr $86,250 or $41.47/hr
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara MSA
$68,770 or $33.06/hr $37,450 or $18.01/hr $91,960 or $44.21/hr
Santa Rosa-Petaluma MSA
$42,770 or $20.56/hr $18,760 or $9.02/hr $66,390 or $31.92/hr
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine MD
$61,920 or $29.77/hr $34,060 or $16.38/hr $90,910 or $43.71/hr
San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City MD $73,760 or $35.46/hr $45,070 or $21.67/hr $113,710 or $54.67/hr
View Map

National Earnings
The earnings information below is for the occupational group Music Directors and Composers. The occupation Music Director is
part of this group.

Average Annual Wage $54,560

Average Hourly Wage $26.23
Average Annual Range $22,130 to $87,970
Note: variations in salaries reflect differences in size of firm, location, level of education and professional credentials.
Where do these numbers come from?

California's Employment and Outlook (State-wide)

Stable
Annual growth rate is estimated to be 4%
Job Openings 200 estimated annual job openings
Employment 6,800 were employed in this occupation
Outlook

California's Regional Employment and Outlook

Regions with increasing outlook (over 20% growth rate expected)

Region
Mother Lode Region

Projected
Employment
Growth Rate
20

Annual
Openings
(growth)

50%

Annual Openings
(replacement)
1

Annual
Openings
1

Regions with stable outlook (0 to 20% growth rate expected)

Region

Projected
Employment
Growth Rate

Annual
Openings

Annual Openings
(replacement)

Annual
Openings

Region
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward MD
Fresno MSA
Bakersfield-Delano MSA
Los Angeles-Long BeachGlendale MD
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine MD
Riverside-San BernardinoOntario MSA
Sacramento-Arden ArcadeRosevile MSA
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
MSA
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos
MSA
San Francisco-San MateoRedwood City MD
Santa Cruz-Watsonville MSA
Santa Rosa-Petaluma MSA
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura
MSA

Annual
Openings
(growth)

Projected
Employment
Growth Rate

Annual Openings
(replacement)

Annual
Openings

570
90
70

9%
0%
0%

14
2
2

19
2
2

1,170

3%

28

32

360

6%

11

340

6%

10

130

8%

430

14%

10

16

570

5%

14

17

400

8%

10

13

60
140

17%
0%

1
4

2
4

170

6%

View Map

National Employment and Outlook

Outlook

stable
The employment change from 2012 to 2022 is estimated to be +4.5%.
(The National average for all occupations is +10.8%)

Job
very small number
Openings
A total of 2440 average annual openings are expected for this occupation between 2012 and 2022.

(The National Average for all occupations is 4,638 openings)

Employment small occupation
This was a small occupation in the United States, employing 77,600 workers in 2012.

(The National average for all occupations is 133,353 workers)

Growth Slower than average growth
Despite expected growth, tough competition for jobs is anticipated because of the large number of people who
are interested in entering this field. In particular, there will be considerable competition for full-time positions.
Those with exceptional musical talent and dedication should have the best opportunities. Many music directors

and composers experience periods of having no work; during these times, they may work in other occupations,
attendauditions,orwritemusic.
SelfIn 2012, 22.6% of the people in this occupation were self-employed.
Employment
Large concentrations of this occupation are found in these industries
Industries

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Religious organizations (NAICS813100) (47.3%)

Self-employed workers, primary job (NAICS000601) (31.9%)
Self-employed workers, secondary job (NAICS000602) (12.8%)

Military Options

Military Options
Get paid to get a career. That's what the military can offer you. Take a moment to review related potential military careers.

Music Directors (Officer)

Opportunities:
Bands have a long tradition in the armed services. Military bands all over the world provide music for marching and parade
activities, concerts, and stage presentations. Music directors plan, develop, and direct the activities of military bands. They also
conduct band performances during concerts and parades.

Training Provided:
A 4-year college degree in music or music education is required to enter this occupation. Military job training consists of
classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.
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Band arranging and conducting

Concert and marching band styles and techniques
Band administration and management

Earnings:
Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine
an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($34,862/year basic pay in 2014). With certain
professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2
($45,745/year basic pay in 2014). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($62,013/year
basic pay in 2014) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many
officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive
a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and
associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health
care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement
program.

Services offering this occupation

Air Force
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Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force Reserve

Army
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U.S. Army
U.S. Army National Guard
U.S. Army Reserves

Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard

Marines
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U.S. Marines

Navy
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U.S. Navy

Connections
Associations
League of American Orchestras
33 West 60th Street
New York, NY 10023
http://www.americanorchestras.org
American Guild of Organists
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260
New York, NY 10115
http://www.agohq.org
American Choral Directors Association
545 Couch Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-2207
http://www.acda.org

Internet Sites
American Choral Directors Association
http://www.acda.org
American Guild of Organists
http://www.agohq.org
League of American Orchestras
http://www.americanorchestras.org
Myfuture.com
http://www.myfuture.com

Related Career Information Sources

O*NET-SOC occupation
Music Directors 27-2041.01
http://www.onetcenter.org/online.html
SOC occupation
Music Directors and Composers 27-2041
http://www.bls.gov/soc/

Occupational Outlook Handbook

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Military Career Opportunities

Air Force
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Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force Reserve

Army
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U.S. Army
U.S. Army National Guard
U.S. Army Reserves

Coast Guard
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U.S. Coast Guard

Marines
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U.S. Marines

Navy
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U.S. Navy

Job Bank Links

Interviews
Insider Info
Zane Dalal says becoming a conductor is sort of like answering a calling.
"In many ways, at this level, it chooses you, and not the other way around. Sometimes I wish the paths could be easier, but many
a Pope started out content to be a parish priest," says Dalal, conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Nan Washburn, a conductor in California, agrees. "This is one of those professions that sort of finds you, rather than the other
way around. One has to willingly put up with a lot of sacrifices -- especially financial ones -- in order to do your work. It takes
many years to learn the craft of conducting and it is an extremely competitive job. The rewards can be great musically and
financially, but it may take time to get there."
Dalal encourages others to explore this career, but adds that it is not for everyone and there are no quick routes.
He also believes that the hardest part of his profession is feeling humble, but at the same time having the self-confidence to
convince 110 musicians that the direction in which he is taking them is the correct one.
"Communication with people is the key to everything. There is a fine line between being the artist and the traffic cop. Beating time
is not necessary when the music has been put into orbit in the correct way. Everyone should innately feel the pulse, or there is
something wrong. Once in motion, to try to impress a human will on music is much like second-guessing God and thinking it will
work," he explains.
Washburn echoes Dalal's view that getting a symphony to act as a single body is a tough assignment. "It is a huge challenge, of

course, to get all 80 to not only accept that I'm their leader, but actually play as one big instrument," she says.
Dalal compares the work of the symphony orchestra conductor to an artist who wants to paint a masterpiece each time.
"A conductor's task is much like having two hours to paint a copy of the Mona Lisa, capturing the full extent of Leonardo Da
Vinci's message using his oil paints on his canvas, but not being able to erase anything as one proceeds. Add to this the public
scrutiny of every brush stroke."
As interpreter of a composer's music, he can only hope he presents the music as the composer would have wished it presented.
"There is a colossal burden that someone listening to your Beethoven may judge Beethoven to be a schmuck, as opposed to
your performance of it," he says.
Washburn, who conducts both the Orchestra Sonoma and the Channel Islands Symphony Orchestra, says her work gives her a
natural thrill. "There is a certain intangible kind of electricity that can be generated in a performance which is a high like no other. I
think they call it something like 'peak performance,'" she says.
"It not only includes the conductor and orchestra, but for me, the audience also has to be involved. I can sense this even with my
back turned to the audience!"
Her career has benefited her in other areas of her life as well. "Being a conductor helped me to grow as a person. I grew up
being very shy, and learning to be a conductor has really forced me to be much more bold, social and has given me an emotional
freedom that I don't think I would have otherwise experienced," she explains.
"I don't know that a lot of conductors could say this, but I know that what I'm doing has already changed the music world. I've
been on the forefront of making orchestra concerts more accessible and fun for audiences, pushing for more concerts for children
and changing the kinds of programs and repertoire that people expect to hear."
"Most of the time, a conductor works in isolation studying the score," says music director Herbert Tsang. "The conductor's
instrument is the orchestra. A conductor will not get to use a good instrument until he or she is very experienced."
Tsang feels passionate about his work because he loves to make music with a group of people and share his ideas with them.
"Not everyone can work with a genius every day, but I do since I perform music composed by some of the greatest geniuses
who ever walked this Earth."
He says the most exciting thing about this profession is to rehearse the first time with a group. It is like a first date. No one knows
how it is going to turn out, but everyone gets into the situation with great expectations.
"Through my music, I have made friends all over the world. The social importance of the work I do is to inspire young musicians
and help them to excel. I believe playing a musical instrument really trains a young person in the value of being patient, working
hard and in social skills," says Tsang.

Real Life Activities

Insider Info
Real-Life Math

Try this activity to see how you might use math on the Job

Real-Life Math Activity

Real-Life Communication

Practice the skills you'd use in this career

Real-Life Communication Activity

Real-Life Decision Making

Do you have what it takes to make decisions in this career

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Real-Life Decision Making Activity

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